ENDOCRINE GLANDS 



AND 



THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM 



INTRODUCTION 



The importance of the endocrine glands, both in physi- 

 ology and pathology becomes every day more evident. 

 By means of anatomical and experimental researches on 

 the one hand, and, from clinical, as well as therapeutical 

 observations, on the other, it is possible to realize the 

 primordial importance of these glands, however complex 

 it may appear, and sufficient knowledge has been ob- 

 tained to reach some practical medical conclusions. 



These are the conclusions which Dr. Harvier has re- 

 viewed in this volume. In a series of clear and concise 

 chapters he has brought up to date our knowledge of the 

 endocrine glands and their pathology. Very rightly 

 abstaining from all hazardous pathogenic theories, he 

 has limited himself to review the various glands and after 

 going over their physiological action, has described their 

 functional disturbances and the diseases resulting from 

 these alterations. 



Before going over these analytical chapters it would 

 perhaps not be amiss if we reviewed the trend of thought 

 which at the present time directs the medical mind in the 

 observation of endocrine pathology and described how our 

 knowledge on the subject has slowly developed from the 

 anatomical, physiological, clinical and therapeutical point 

 of view. 



